Howdy, and thanks for checking this text on what drone to decide on: The Autel EVO Lite Plus or DJI FPV.
We have now two implausible drones however from completely completely different worlds.
Or not?
You’ll be shocked what number of FPV pilots have a fleet of ordinary GPS drones or vice-versa. I’m one in all them.
I like FPV and customary drones, and these two are related in worth and price a particular point out.
On this article, we’ll do an in-depth comparability between the Autel EVO Lite Plus and DJI FPV drone, my total experiences with each of them, and why I select the Autel EVO Lite Plus to be a winner however with a plot twist for the DJI FPV drone.
Due to this fact, if in case you have the finances to accumulate one in all them, we need to make it easier to make the fitting determination and keep away from spending your cash on the unsuitable drone.
Temporary Overview
Autel EVO Lite Plus
The EVO Lite Plus was launched in January 2022 by Autel Robotics, an actual competitor to DJI with wonderful drones from finances to skilled and enterprise editions.
For photographers of all stripes, you’re in luck as a result of, surprisingly for its worth, the EVO Lite Plus comes with a big 1-inch CMOS with a 20-megapixel digital camera and adjustable aperture.
However the forte level making this drone stand out is the intense orange model that makes this drone extra seen on the blue skies, wonderful for respecting the laws regarding the visual line of sight.
The EVO Lite Plus additionally provides:
- Three-way impediment avoidance is ideal for avoiding collisions and even saving the drone when it’s about to crash into an impediment.
- 1-inch CMOS, an enormous sensor appropriate for skilled pictures and video recordings, even in low-light circumstances, with nice dynamic vary.
- This drone, like most Autel drones, does not have any geo-restrictions. Due to this fact, you gained’t be restricted from taking off the place you’re not alleged to.
- Lengthy flight time and vary capabilities: The Autel EVO Lite Plus can fly for as much as 40 minutes and seven.4 miles transmission vary.
» MORE: Autel Evo Lite+ Review
DJI FPV
If we take a step again from common drones for one thing a bit completely different, we’ve got the primary FPV drone launched by DJI, the DJI FPV.
An utter success, this drone was step one for a lot of drone pilots to get into flying FPV drones and studying to fly acro.
Launched in January 2021, the DJI FPV is one yr older than the Autel EVO Lite Plus. However on this case, age doesn’t matter that a lot – and also you’ll discover out why in a minute.
DJI FPV additionally has just a few perks in its pocket:
- It’s a singular FPV drone able to flying in regular and sports modes, like a normal drone, and in guide mode, like an FPV drone.
- It provides a straightforward technique to get into FPV with out the complexity of coping with transmission protocols and compatibilities, analog transmissions, charging customized LiPo batteries, and the deep studying curve behind Betaflight.
- For an FPV drone, the DJI FPV provides an unparalleled flight time and vary – it will possibly fly for as much as 20 minutes and 10.4 miles or 16.8 km (with out restrictions).
- You’ll take pleasure in a singular FPV expertise whilst you see the world from above through a pair of “VR” Goggles when flying at excessive pace, delivering a excessive degree of adrenaline and pleasure.
» MORE: DJI FPV – How to Take Off and Land (Step-by-Step Guide)
Fast Verdict
Simply to let you realize, at Droneblog, we’ve got practically all of the big-name drones. We check and overview them commonly and promise a good overview and comparability primarily based on expertise and hands-on information.
After I first received my DJI FPV drone after it was launched, I felt I entered a brand new world of FPV. It was my first step, and I by no means remorse that call.
Even these days, I’m utilizing my DJI FPV drone regularly. That was my favourite drone and nonetheless is one in all them.
However this can be a private selection.
Nonetheless, primarily based on info and what these drones can provide, you’ll in all probability get extra use out of the Autel EVO Lite Plus, which will be utilized commercially for skilled pictures and filmmaking, delivering an unmatched expertise for its price ticket.
The DJI FPV drone can also be an incredible drone if you wish to get into FPV. It’s a straightforward selection; it is available in a whole package able to fly and provides many instruments for novices.
Nonetheless, try to be conscious that DJI FPV has one draw back relating to crash resistance, making not just a few FPV novices aim to acquire DJI Avata as an alternative.
» MORE: DJI Avata vs. DJI FPV (Here’s My Choice)
What are the principle variations?
Let’s have a look at the variations between these drones and what else we will say about them.
Let’s begin with the Autel EVO Lite Plus, lets?
- It is a customary GPS drone: It has an identical flight model to the DJI Mini and Mavic sequence, DJI Air 2S, and so forth. From hobbyists to industrial customers, the Autel EVO Lite Plus targets a big area of interest of drone pilots.
- Digicam: The Autel EVO Lite Plus comes with a 1-inch Sony CMOS sensor with an adjustable aperture between f/2.8 and f/11. This digital camera can also be hosted in a 3-axis gimbal system. The Moonlight Algorithm is implausible for capturing low-light or evening pictures.
- Lack of Geofencing: For a lot of drone pilots, geofencing will solely floor your drone, even if you wish to fly indoors or in your personal yard, or for some roof inspections when near restricted airspace. The Autel EVO Lite Plus is unhampered by this technique.
- The Autel EVO Lite Plus is foldable: Whereas the DJI FPV has a normal type issue with mounted arms, the Lite Plus is properly foldable, making it nice for transportation and to travel with.
On the opposite facet, let’s take a look on the DJI FPV, lets?
- It’s an FPV drone and might fly like a customized quad: In guide mode, if in case you have disabled the “M Mode Angle Restrict,” your DJI FPV can absolutely fly acro like a customized FPV drone.
- It could actually freestyle and race: Though not really useful, we should know that the DJI FPV is capable of acrobatic freestyle methods and even racing.
- Appropriate with Goggles: Having FPV Goggles in your head and seeing dwell transmission via it’s a step in direction of the longer term as in comparison with observing the drone dwell feed through a telephone display, providing an unmatched expertise.
- It has just a few security options behind it, comparable to return-to-home and regular modes. The DJI FPV additionally hosts one distinctive function not present in another drones, apart from Avata: Emergency Break – this can be a button that may immediately cease the drone in place if you’re about to crash, making it swap to regular mode and hover, ready for additional pilot enter.
- It has an LED highlight for touchdown: This drone is supplied with an intense LED highlight close to the downward vision sensors to make touchdown in a darkish surroundings as simple as throughout daytime.
» MORE: Autel EVO Lite+ vs. DJI Mini 2 SE (Here’s My Favorite)
Autel EVO Lite Plus
The Autel EVO Lite Plus is a singular alternative to many DJI drones, particularly contemplating that its present worth is a breaking level for skilled drones with giant digital camera sensors and nice total potential.
In contrast to DJI FPV, the EVO Lite Plus additionally hosts a number of clever features comparable to Dynamic Monitor 2.1, equal to DJI’s Active Track, follow-me mode, moonlight algorithm, and a number of other fast photographs choices, simply to call just a few.
Certainly, the record goes on.
The Autel EVO Lite Plus sits within the center floor between the cheaper sub-250-gram Autel EVO Nano Plus and the dearer Autel EVO II Professional drone made for professionals and industrial pilots.
It’s an ideal selection for those who’re not on the lookout for an affordable drone, however you’re aiming for professionalism at an inexpensive worth.
» MORE: Autel EVO Lite Plus vs DJI Avata (Which One Is Better?)
Many people at Droneblog have this drone. Additionally, most of us are skilled and commercial drone pilots, and it’s what we do. We check drones, fly them in real-world eventualities, and luxuriate in each second our buzzers are up within the air.
So, hear me right here. The Autel EVO Lite Plus shouldn’t be a nasty drone; if we’ve got to make a “High 5 Drones” presently, this drone positively has its place there.
We merely find it irresistible, and it has proved itself to be a really environment friendly device in so many conditions – apart from touring, the place we are inclined to choose the sub-250-gram ones.
So, after many checks and deliberations, we’ve got concluded that the Autel EVO Lite Plus wins on a small margin above the DJI FPV. We’ll dive in additional about this later.
Autel EVO Lite Plus
Premium Bundle, NEWEST 1-Inch CMOS Drone with 6K HDR Digicam, F2.8 – F11 Aperture, 6K/30fps Video, 40 Minutes Flight Time, 3-Method 360° Impediment Avoidance, 12Km (7.4 Miles)
We earn a fee for those who make a purchase order, at no further value to you.
11/15/2023 06:56 pm GMT
DJI FPV
Proper now, once I’m writing this text, I’m seeking to my left facet on the desk and observing my DJI FPV drone. It’s one of many few that’s not in long-term storage, and I like flying it each time I can.
I all the time fly it long-range in guide mode and imagine me, the DJI FPV is able to that.
The adrenaline rush this drone provides once I fly it at over 60 miles per hour, browsing 2 meters above the bottom and lacking an impediment by just a few inches whereas my coronary heart is pounding at 150bpm is one thing unimaginable.
I can by no means examine this with flying any customary drone. Not now, not ever.
However I’m form of a scared rabbit.
I like taking dangers when flying this drone and FPV on the whole, for distinctive FPV footage, however on the identical time, I miss lots as a result of I’m afraid if my fingers react incorrectly on my joysticks when flying like this, even by just a few millimeters, the DJI FPV turns into a meteor!
Not even the emergency brake will save your drone from these conditions. Solely a dustpan.
» MORE: How to Connect DJI FPV to Phone (Step-by-Step Guide)
Nonetheless, that’s the purpose behind flying the DJI FPV. Do you wish to attempt one thing new, have an immersive expertise flying drones like by no means earlier than, and really feel an adrenaline rush such as you’re racing a automotive?
Or possibly seize some distinctive FPV footage incapable of being captured by another form of drone?
If that is your desire, the DJI FPV is an ideal selection above the Autel EVO Lite Plus and plenty of customary drones if you wish to step out of the usual drone circle and fly one thing distinctive.
DJI FPV Combo
Take pleasure in crystal-clear real-time and HD Low-Latency Transmission video, even at distances of as much as 6.2 miles.
We earn a fee for those who make a purchase order, at no further value to you.
11/16/2023 09:07 am GMT
Head-to-Head Comparability
Digicam
Winner: Autel EVO Lite Plus (with a plot twist)
The principle cause most drone pilots buy a drone is to movie or {photograph} with it.
This being the case, we’ve got to match the 1-inch Sony CMOS from the Autel EVO Lite Plus with the 1/2.3-inch sensor put in within the DJI FPV drone.
The digital camera sensor present in Autel EVO Lite Plus is greater than twice as massive because the one present in DJI FPV.
This makes the EVO Lite Plus method higher in terms of photography and filming high quality, with an excellent dynamic vary for contrasty movies, significantly better low-light and evening capabilities, and even increased decision.
The Autel EVO Lite Plus can movie in 6k at 30 frames per second and {photograph} at 20 MP decision. Wow. That’s merely excellent video high quality.
On the opposite facet, the DJI FPV can movie in 4k at 60 frames per second. And for those who’re seeking to {photograph} with this drone, look elsewhere as a result of FPV drones aren’t meant for pictures – on this case, you possibly can simply snapshot the filming decision.
So, it’s a no-no for DJI FPV photography.
However right here’s the twist I already talked about twice.
As a result of DJI FPV is, in reality, a implausible FPV drone with strong motors able to reaching excessive pace, it will possibly help a payload.
And on this case, we will look into attaching an motion digital camera, comparable to GoPro Hero 12 Black or related, on high of the drone, and this may fly properly.
The truth is, in FPV, that is the standard method; you don’t movie with the integrated digital camera. You connect an motion digital camera if the drone helps the payload.
This really makes the DJI FPV’s age out of date – as a result of, total, we don’t care about how good or unhealthy the digital camera can movie, as we use it merely for dwell transmission.
And to have a look at what GoPro Hero 12 Black can provide, it has a 1/1.9 inch CMOS, can movie in 5.3k at 60 frames per second, and has wonderful HyperSmooth 6.0 video stabilization for terribly clean footage.
If we’ve got to match the GoPro Hero 12 Black with the digital camera discovered within the Autel EVO Lite Plus, the Lite Plus nonetheless wins, however the Hero 12 is a big improve and addition to DJI FPV to seize essentially the most distinctive cinematic FPV movies on the highest high quality, beneath cine-lifters.
However, in fact, we do have to provide this level to the Autel EVO Lite Plus.
» MORE: Camera Technology in Drones (Explained)
Portability
Winner: Autel EVO Lite Plus
If we consider portability, the EVO Lite Plus is at an excellent benefit over the DJI FPV.
The EVO Lite Plus can fold, and also you solely need to take the drone with the distant controller with you.
Conversely, the DJI FPV is cumbersome and doesn’t fold. You all the time need to take away the propellers earlier than transportation.
On high of the drone, you even have the distant controller, the FPV goggles, batteries (together with for goggles), the goggle antennas (if in case you have the DJI FPV Goggles V2), and possibly a movement controller.
All the things talked about right here suits properly right into a pictures bag or particular FPV bag. However it would occupy many of the house, leaving little to no room for different stuff.
So, the DJI FPV drone is by far much less moveable, and plenty of are shopping for hard-rigid instances to move this drone in it as an alternative of utilizing up all of the house in a backpack.
And to say, by way of weight, each drones are very related (simply the drones).
The Autel EVO Lite Plus weighs 835 grams, whereas the DJI FPV drone weighs 795 grams.
Whereas the DJI FPV is barely lighter than the EVO Lite Plus, this doesn’t rely the additional accent poundage wanted to fly this drone.
As an extra word, each drones have to be registered for those who plan to fly them in the United States.
» MORE: Drone Laws in the United States
Flight Expertise
Winner: DJI FPV
Properly, it appears to be like like I hold coming again to how nice is the DJI FPV by way of flying expertise.
And it’s.
I don’t need to be buggy, however the Autel EVO Lite Plus is only a easy drone and can fly the identical as any common drone (with higher efficiency and longer, in fact).
However an FPV drone is one other story, a very distinctive expertise, and I can let you know proper now for those who get into FPV, you danger growing an obsession for FPV drones and such flights.
That’s from my expertise.
So, let me share this video with you rather than phrases, and you’ll see for your self the true FPV expertise behind DJI FPV (hmm…it appears to be like like I’m attempting to recruit you into the FPV world!)
Now, the picture transmission to the Autel RC by the EVO Lite Plus is displayed both at 1080 or 2.7k decision at 30 frames per second. The transmission latency is beneath 200ms.
In comparison with DJI drones, we’ve got a pointy picture transmission, above common – in reality, above any DJI drones – that may look implausible on any pill related to the EVO Lite Plus distant controller.
However what you will notice through the goggles – selecting the unique DJI FPV Goggles V2 – is greater than you possibly can see with any drones, FPV or non-FPV.
First, the latency is beneath 28ms or 40ms, relying on the transmission mode we select with DJI FPV: Low-Latency or Excessive-High quality Mode.
Second, we’ve got an 810p decision on the goggle’s screens. However the implausible half is that the transmission comes as much as 120 frames per second, whereas the goggles have a 144Hz display.
To place this right into a sensible rationalization, what you see via the goggles shouldn’t be solely excessive decision and low-latency transmission with so many particulars displayed in a VR method, however further clean at 120 frames per second – silky clean transmission.
Some individuals have reported movement illness when utilizing 120 frames per second.
My mind merely releases a punch of dopamine once I’m observing the dwell view via the VR goggles.
It’s like I’m there!
» MORE: FPV Drones vs. Regular Drones (Explained for Beginners)
Compatibility
Winner: DJI FPV
By way of EVO Lite Plus compatibility, there’s not a lot to speak about aside from that this drone is appropriate with a single distant controller internet hosting the Autel SkyLink transmission system.
The distant controller would require you to connect a cell phone appropriate with the Autel Sky App as a way to fly the drone.
However you gained’t want this with the DJI FPV. No app is required to fly. Just to update it.
To make it easy, the DJI FPV drone is appropriate with the next:
- Controller: DJI FPV Distant Controller 2
- Movement Controller: DJI Movement Controller & DJI RC Movement 2
- Goggles: DJI FPV Goggles V2, DJI Goggles 2, DJI Integra
So, right here we’ve got package of appropriate units with the DJI FPV drone.
I’ve the unique DJI FPV Goggles V2 and the DJI FPV RC 2 with my DJI FPV. I don’t personal the movement controller, however a few of us at Droneblog do.
The one unhappy half is that the drone is appropriate solely with the DJI FPV Distant Controller 2 – which, certainly, is a implausible distant controller, however many FPV drone pilots choose giant transmitters as an alternative – so there is no such thing as a choice to swap until you DIY your drone.
However for those who bought this drone with the distant controller, you need to use the same one with DJI Avata, contemplating that Avata doesn’t include any distant controllers apart from the movement controller.
And right here’s the enjoyable half: Avata can also be appropriate with the DJI FPV Goggles V2 that comes with the DJI FPV drone.
So, for those who purchase the DJI FPV drone package, which will be bought with DJI FPV Distant Controller 2 and DJI FPV Goggles V2, and also you need to attempt Avata, you then solely want the Avata drone and nothing else.
» MORE: DJI Goggles 2 vs DJI FPV Goggles V2 (Explained)
Flight Time and Vary
Winner: Autel EVO Lite Plus
In line with DJI, the DJI FPV drone’s most transmission distance is 10.4 miles. However this may occur solely in an ideal world, with out restrictions.
As a result of FCC and CE restrictions within the USA and Europe, we’ll be struggling to fly this drone and another drones previous 4-5 miles in a sensible state of affairs. Think about the battery life to be one more issue contributing to the max flight distance.
Autel advertises the EVO Lite Plus as having a transmission distance of as much as 7.4 miles, which is lower than DJI FPV, however in real-world functions, you’ll nonetheless be restricted and will by no means fly that far.
I bear in mind the final time I flew a long-range drone was, in reality, my DJI FPV into the mountains, and I managed to fly it to the sting of some clouds (whereas respecting my native drone legal guidelines).
It was a implausible expertise, however I bear in mind not having the ability to go a lot farther than 2 miles.
As for battery life, that is the place the Autel EVO Lite Plus shines – it will possibly fly for a whopping 40 minutes.
In actuality, like with any drone, we by no means drain the battery to zero p.c – so anticipate about 32 to 34 minutes of flight time earlier than it’s essential to land the drone.
That’s completely implausible and one of many high drones in terms of flight time.
In distinction, the DJI FPV is rated to fly for a most of 20 minutes. In actuality, for those who fly in guide mode, don’t fly for greater than 12-13 minutes, otherwise you danger damaging the battery or not reaching it again house.
That’s how lengthy I’ve managed to fly in guide mode, more often than not, while the battery normally falls beneath 20 p.c.
If we’ve got to match the DJI FPV with any customized FPV drone, the flight time is far more than the typical – in reality, customized FPV quads are rated to fly between 3 and seven minutes, relying on the drone and LiPo battery.
So, take this as a win to fly the DJI FPV for this lengthy – as soon as extra, bear in mind – this isn’t a normal drone, so you’ll attain speeds as much as 87 miles per hour.
Crash Resistance
Winner: None
Properly, this isn’t good, is it?
I imply, customary drones just like the Autel EVO Lite Plus, DJI Mini 3 Pro, DJI Mavic 3 Pro, and so forth aren’t crash-resistant in any respect.
Should you crash them, that’s it. You normally can not restore them your self and need to send them back to DJI for repairs.
However with FPV drones, that’s one other story.
Usually, FPV drones are very crash-resistant and might face up to many impacts and crashes with out breaking right into a thousand items.
Avata is one in all them.
However DJI FPV has a flaw on this case – the arms are fabricated from low-cost plastic and might simply break off even on the slightest influence.
So, you’re questioning why you’d crash the drone within the first place.
FPV drones in acro or guide mode are quick, with out security options, and can simply crash in comparison with customary drones.
I imply, don’t anticipate the impediment avoidance sensors to work on an FPV drone in guide or acro mode. They gained’t.
And the nice footage ensuing from FPV drones all the time comes with a big danger of merely crashing the drone.
» MORE: Drone Crash? Do This (Step by Step)
Clever Flight Modes & Security Options
Winner: Autel EVO Lite Plus
The DJI FPV drone has just a few good options that set this drone other than another FPV drone; possibly DJI Avata matches these options.
However you will be unable to search out in another FPV drones obtainable at present with options comparable to:
- Return to house – Having a return to house to an FPV drone is a luxurious. There are some GPS modules for customized FPV quads, however none will ever match the capabilities of DJI’s return-to-home modules.
- Emergency Brake – As we already talked about, being able to cease the drone immediately in mid-air, even when flying 70+ miles per hour, if we really feel we misplaced management, is exclusive. There was a variety of engineering and testing behind this particular function.
- Frontal impediment avoidance sensors – And right here we’ve got the primary and solely FPV drone on the planet with impediment avoidance sensors. Certainly, they’ll not work when flying in guide mode, solely in regular mode, however FPV + Impediment Avoidance = Failure or Success?
- Switching from regular to sport and guide mode at will with the flexibility to regulate the digital camera angle whereas in mid-air is one more clever, distinctive function discovered solely in DJI FPV and Avata drones. With customary drones, it’s customary to regulate the digital camera tilt like this, however not with FPV whereas flying.
Now you’re in all probability questioning, with all these options, why doesn’t DJI FPV stand above Autel EVO Lite Plus by way of intelligence and security options?
Properly, as a result of the EVO Lite Plus has much more than the DJI FPV, comparable to:
- Dynamic Monitor 2.1 – A singular, revolutionary, and sophisticated system that tracks topics with excessive accuracy to make use of with many clever flight modes, together with follow-me mode.
- Moonlight Algorithm – A singular de-noising software program integrated on professional-level Autel drones that may make the evening images with out picture noise, clear and sharp.
- Defog mode – With Autel EVO Lite Plus, for those who’re filming in a depressing surroundings, there’s a particular software program filter that may cut back the hazing and make your photographs look implausible, without having for post-processing.
- Rocket, Fadeaway, Orbit, Flick – Just a few fast shot choices are one thing we proudly use with our Autel EVO Lite Plus drone at instances when we have to seize some distinctive photographs the place doing it manually might not get us the identical outcomes. The DJI FPV has no fast photographs modes.
- A 3-way impediment avoidance system – Frontal, backward, and downwards – can be wonderful for any newbie to keep away from crashing the EVO Lite Plus in some havoc conditions. If flying the DJI FPV in regular mode, this solely has frontal anti-collision sensors, so once more, we discover extra within the Lite Plus.
On paper, it doesn’t look far more in comparison with DJI FPV, however in actuality, Autel EVO Lite Plus will be automated to carry out numerous features unavailable with the DJI FPV drone.
The one automated perform with the DJI FPV is the return-to-home function.
This makes the EVO Lite Plus stand above DJI FPV by way of security and clever options.
How exhausting is it to fly?
Abstract: Autel EVO Lite Plus – Simple; DJI FPV in Handbook Mode – Tough
There’s one thing we have to focus on right here.
Whereas the Autel EVO Lite Plus, like several customary GPS drone, is simple to be taught and fly, even for a newbie, the DJI FPV is one other story.
First, flying the DJI FPV in Regular and Sport mode is simple sufficient – you’ll actually fly like a normal GPS drone, however inside some limits (e.g., the digital camera tilt angle is restricted, 2-axis gimbal stabilization)
However flying in guide mode is one other story.
Handbook mode is equal to acro mode if we disable the auto-leveling possibility known as “M Mode Angle Restrict” (Angle, to not be confused with Altitude).
Flying an FPV drone in acro mode is complicated and would require a variety of observe behind FPV simulators. Even with that, flying it easily will want further coaching.
So, as a way to fly the DJI FPV drone in guide mode, you’ll have to undertake a minimum of a number of hours of coaching in FPV simulators for fundamental flights and, to let you know from expertise, a minimum of 50 hours of coaching for complicated and clean flights.
» MORE: DJI Virtual Flight (DJI Avata Simulator)
Conclusion
There’s not a straightforward ending right here as a result of each drones are wonderful for his or her functions. Nevertheless it appeals to several types of drone pilots.
The Autel EVO Lite Plus is implausible for lots of issues, from hobbyists flying and studying to fly a drone, to skilled video manufacturing, creating content material, and vlogging, even industrial functions.
And the DJI FPV, though it’s an older drone, remains to be a implausible technique to get into FPV and even create distinctive FPV cinematic content material, particularly for those who connect an motion digital camera to it.
For the final pilots, I’ll suggest the Autel EVO Lite Plus. Go along with DJI FPV provided that you’re on the lookout for some challenges and an adrenaline rush to enter the FPV world and seize some distinctive cinematic photographs – however by no means as a first-time drone pilot.
» MORE: Best ND Filters for DJI FPV
